Device for mounting the visor onto the cap of a helmet

ABSTRACT

Mechanism to removably anchor a side area ( 3 ) of a visor ( 20 ) to the cap ( 2 ) of a helmet so that the visor rotates in relation to the eyeport opening ( 12 ) of the helmet, of the type comprising:  
     a base structure ( 1 ), anchored to the cap, and provided with at least one circular guide groove ( 4   a ) substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation (A-A) of the visor and which has at least one widened portion defining an opening ( 5   a );  
     at least one hooking element ( 22   a ) integral with said side area of the visor and suitable to engage slidingly inside the circular groove, the hooking element being held in place by the circular guide groove except when corresponding to the opening defined by the widened portion;  
     The mechanism also comprises at least one locking tab ( 6 ) substantially positioned corresponding to the widened portion and made to translate, along an axis coinciding with or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (A-A) of the visor, between a position in which said locking tab intercepts the widened portion, reducing the opening ( 5   a ), and a position in which the locking tab is disengaged from the widened portion and frees the opening ( 5   a ).

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanism for rotatinglymounting a side area of a visor on the cap of a helmet, in such a waythat, to allow it to be replaced, the visor is removable in relation tothe cap.

[0002] Mounting a visor rotatingly on the cap to allow the eyeportopening of the helmet to be opened and closed has been obtained for along time by a pair of mechanisms which, positioned at the sides of theeyeport opening, removably anchor the side areas of the visor to thecap. Each mechanism allows the user, normally with the use of suitabletools, to release (unhook) the visor from the helmet, replace it andthen mechanically fix a new visor on the two mechanisms.

[0003] Particularly in the motorcycle sector, the need for removabilityof the visor in relation to the cap, due to unavoidable deterioration ofthe visor during use, combined with the need to obtain mechanicalstructures that are simple to produce and assemble, have drivenoperators in the sector to devise mechanisms to anchor the visor to thehelmet which are targeted at being structurally simplified and easy tooperate.

[0004] Prior art mechanisms to removably anchor a visor to the cap of ahelmet comprise a base structure designed to be fixed to the cap, forexample by bolting, and a pin with a corresponding hole, integral withthe base structure and the visor respectively, or vice versa, which arecoupled to rotatingly anchor the visor to the cap. A screw, or otherthreaded fixing means, of appropriate size and shape and positionedcorresponding to the pin, has the purpose of preventing any movement ofthe visor along its axis of rotation in relation to the base structureof the mechanism. To remove and mount the visor in relation to thehelmet it is therefore necessary to unscrew and tighten the fixing screwusing a specific tool and therefore to couple and uncouple the hole andthe pin.

[0005] Although this operation may be performed by any user, it is notalways easy to execute and also causes progressive deterioration of thethread of the fixing means. Moreover, it is an operation which normallyrequires a certain amount of physical exertion by the user, the use ofappropriate tools and a considerable amount of time.

[0006] To make up for these limits, patent application EP-A-0.482.731,in the name of SHOEI, teaches the realization of a mechanism toremovably mount the visor of a helmet to the cap comprising a basestructure, fixed to the cap by screws, on which a cylindrical seat isproduced provided with a circular guide and coupling projections, orhooks, integral with the visor. The coupling projections of the visor,during assembly of the helmet or replacement of the visor, arerotatingly anchored in the circular guide, so that the visor may rotate,but not translate, around the axis of the cylindrical seat.

[0007] To allow the hooks to be inserted and removed from the circularguide, in the SHOEI mechanism the circular guide has an aperture and acorresponding movable locking tab provided at the aperture. The lockingtab is made to translate along a direction substantially orthogonal tothe axis of rotation of the visor from an engaged position to adisengaged position with the aperture of the circular guide, and is heldin this engaged position by a spring. Moreover, the locking tab isoperatively connected to a tie-rod which is only accessible if the visoris raised completely in relation to the eyeport opening of the helmet.

[0008] Operation of the tie-rod causes the locking tab to translate anddisengage from the aperture of the cylindrical guide, so that hooksintegral with the visor can be anchored to or released from the guidethrough this aperture. Although this SHOEI mechanism allows the visor tobe removed from the cap without excessive difficulty, it is nonethelesscumbersome owing to the considerable dimensions of the base support, Infact, to guarantee reliable operation of the mechanism, this must bedesigned to contain the tie-rod of the locking tab and guide itscomplete travel on a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation of thevisor, with consequent increase in its dimensions along this plane.

[0009] Moreover, the SHOEI mechanism could bring about accidentalmovements of the locking tab, and consequently possible accidentalrelease of the visor, in the case in which with the visor raised theuser was to unwittingly move the visor in the direction of translationof the locking tab.

[0010] A mechanism similar to the one in application EP-A-0.482.731 inwhich in place of the tie-rod, a rocking lever is provided to operatelocking tabs engaged in corresponding apertures of circular guides, isdescribed in the European patent application EP-A-0.629.357 (SHOEI).Also in this mechanism, the locking tabs, normally held closedelastically, are made to move to the position disengaged from theapertures on a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation ofthe visor and the lever can only be operated when the visor iscompletely raised.

[0011] Although accidental release of the visor is almost impossible inthis latter mechanism, it does not solve the problem of overalldimensions, which are even greater.

[0012] The presence of the rocking lever and of locking tabs shapedaccording to curved lines also increases the complexity of the mechanismand thus makes it somewhat difficult to produce.

[0013] The object of the present invention is to produce a mechanism toremovably anchor a side area of a visor to the cap of a helmet whichdoes not have the afore-mentioned drawbacks of prior art.

[0014] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide amechanism to removably anchor a side area of a visor to the cap of ahelmet which has limited dimensions, is structurally simple and reliableand simultaneously capable of preventing any accidental release of thevisor.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanismwith a reduced number of components, and thus easy to assemble on thecap of a helmet, which is also extremely simple to operate and allowsthe visor to be replaced without the use of any tools, while remainingtotally reliable to use.

[0016] These and other objects are attained with the mechanism toremovably anchor a side area of a visor to the cap of a helmet, so thatthe visor rotates in relation to the eyeport opening of the helmet, asclaimed in the first independent claim and the subsequent dependentclaims.

[0017] The mechanism to removably anchor a side area of a visor to thecap of a helmet so that the visor rotates in relation to the eyeportopening of the helmet, according to the present invention, comprises:

[0018] a base structure, anchored to the cap, and provided with at leastone circular guide groove substantially orthogonal to the axis ofrotation of the visor and which has at least one widened portiondefining an opening; and

[0019] at least one hooking element (or “hook”) integral with said sidearea of the visor and suitable to engage slidingly inside the aforesaidcircular groove. The hooking element, after being inserted, is held inplace in the circular guide groove except when corresponding to theopening defined by the widened portion of the guide.

[0020] The mechanism also comprises at least one locking tabsubstantially positioned corresponding to the widened portion of theguide and made to translate, along an axis coinciding with orsubstantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the visor, between aposition in which said locking tab intercepts the widened portion,reducing the opening, and a position in which the locking tab isdisengaged from the widened portion, freeing the opening.

[0021] Movement of the locking tab along an axis parallel to orcoinciding with the axis of rotation of the visor makes it possible tolimit the transverse dimensions of the base support, withoutsubstantially influencing the dimensions along said axis of rotation.

[0022] Moreover, this operation of the locking tab makes itsubstantially impossible for the locking tab to be accidentally movedowing to the inexperience of the user. In fact, any accidental movementsof the visor along this axis do not necessarily imply movement of thelocking tab, which does not perform the function of axially holding thehooking element of the visor in place, having the sole purpose ofblocking the opening through which the hooking element of the visor maytravel.

[0023] According to a specific aspect of the present invention, themechanism has a cylindrical seat, produced in said base structure,mounted elastically inside which is a button integral with the aforesaidlocking tab that engages with the widened portion of the guide groove.This button is anchored to translate along the axis of its cylindricalseat, advantageously parallel to or coinciding with the axis of rotationof the visor, to allow translation of the locking tab. Elastic mountingof the button is also carried on by a helical spring which pushes thebutton so that the locking tab is disposed in the position in which itintercepts the opening for the hooking element of the visor.

[0024] The presence of a button connected to the aforesaid locking tabmakes the mechanism, as will be further clarified hereafter,structurally simple and easy to operate, although preventing accidentalrelease of the visor.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, the elasticbutton also has an upper cylindrical projection on which the side areaof the visor pivots thanks to a corresponding hole produced in this sidearea. Moreover, the opening defined by the widened portion of the guidegroove is preferably set apart from the axis of this upper projection ofthe button to allow the hooking element to be inserted in the guide andsimultaneously prevent this upper projection from being coupled with thehole on the side area of the visor.

[0026] The object of this solution is to oblige the user to impose twoincident forces, on the button and visor respectively, in order tounhook the latter from the cap. In fact, as shall be seen, to free theopening and release the hole of the visor from the projection on thisbutton, the button must be pushed along its sliding axis and to allowthe hooking element to be moved corresponding to the opening, the visormust be made to translate substantially orthogonal to this sliding axisof the button.

[0027] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the presentinvention, moreover, the widened portion of the guide groove is disposedso that the hooking element integral with the visor is positionedcorresponding to the opening defined by the widened portion only whenthe visor is in its fully open position in relation to the eyeportopening of the helmet.

[0028] This prevents the visor from being unhooked in positionsdifferent from the one in which it is totally raised, which is usuallyonly when the motorcycle is not moving.

[0029] Some preferred embodiments of the present invention shall now bedescribed, purely as a non-limiting example, with the aid of theattached figures, in which:

[0030]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a mechanism for removably anchoringa side area of a visor to the cap of a helmet, so that the visor rotatesin relation to the eyeport opening of the helmet, according to aparticular aspect of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the base support of the mechanism in FIG.1;

[0032]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the release button provided in themechanism in FIG. 1;

[0033]FIGS. 4a and 4 b are respectively a perspective view and apartially sectioned side view of a visor designed to be mounted on themechanism in FIG. 1;

[0034]FIG. 5 is a detailed side view of a hooking element, integral withthe visor, according to a particular aspect of the present invention;

[0035]FIGS. 6a and 6 b are sectional views of the mechanism in FIG. 1respectively during coupling with the visor and upon attaining thiscoupling; and

[0036]FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a mechanism for removably anchoringa side area of a visor to the cap of a helmet so that the visor rotatesin relation to the eyeport opening of the helmet, in a differentembodiment of the present invention.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4a, 4 b, the mechanism toremovably anchor a side area 3 of a visor 20 to the cap 2 of a helmet sothat the visor 20 rotates in relation to the eyeport opening 12 of thehelmet, according to the present invention, comprises a base structure 1anchored to the cap 2, if necessary by means of bolts 11 a, 11 b, andprovided with at least one circular guide groove 4 a or 4 b which lieson a surface substantially orthogonal to the axis A-A (FIGS. 6a-6 b) ofrotation of the visor 20 and which has at least one widened portiondefining an opening 5 a or 5 b.

[0038] The mechanism also comprises at least one hooking element 22 a or22 b , integral with the side area 3 of the visor 20 which, as shall beshown in greater detail hereafter, is designed to engage slidinglyinside the guide groove 4 a or 4 b . The groove 4 a or 4 b is shaped toaxially hold the hooking element 22 a or 22 b of the visor 20 in placeduring its rotation, except when corresponding to the opening 5 a or 5 bdefined by the aforesaid widened portion.

[0039] Also corresponding to the opening 5 a is a locking tab 6 made totranslate, along an axis coinciding with or substantially parallel tothe axis A-A of rotation of the visor 20, between a position in whichthe locking tab 6 intercepts the widened portion reducing the opening 5a and a position in which this locking tab 6 is disengaged from thewidened portion, thus freeing the opening 5 a.

[0040] Translation of the locking tab 6 along an axis substantiallyparallel to or coinciding with the axis A-A of rotation of the visor, toblock or free the opening 5 a , makes it possible to reduce thedimensions of the base structure 1 in a direction transverse to saidaxis A-A and simultaneously, as this translation of the locking tab 6does not interfere with any axial movements of the visor 20, it helps toprevent accidental release (unhook) of the visor 20 from the structure 1and therefore from the cap 2.

[0041] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, shownin FIGS. 1 and 4a , 4 b , moreover, the guide groove 4 a holds therespective hooking element 22 a , integral with the visor 20, in place,so that the latter can only move along the circular trajectory definedby the groove 4 a , except when corresponding to the opening 5 a . Infact, when it is not blocked by the locking tab 6, the hooking element22 a may translate in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axisof rotation A-A of the visor 20, and then slide in the opening 5 a alonga direction parallel to the axis A-A, to disengage from the groove 4 a.

[0042] In other words, the function of the locking tab 6 is to reducethe extension of the opening 5 a in a direction orthogonal to the axisof rotation A-A of the visor 20 and therefore to prevent any accidentaltranslation of the hooking element 22 a along the direction orthogonalto the axis A-A, otherwise possible in the opening 5 a . Translation ofthe locking tab 6 only in a direction parallel to the axis A-A, makesany movements of the hooking element 22 a transverse to the axis A-Ahave no effect whatsoever on the locking tab 6. FIGS. 1 to 5 show apreferred embodiment of the mechanism according to the presentinvention, comprising a base structure 1 anchored to the cap 2 of ahelmet in the vicinity of a side end of the eyeport opening 12 of thehelmet. The helmet comprises, in the vicinity of the other end of theeyeport opening 12 on the cap 2, a second mechanism specular to the oneshown in FIGS. 1-5.

[0043] The structure 1 comprises through holes 17 a , 17 b , insidewhich bolts 11 a, 11 b are inserted, which, by means of threaded insertsinserted in suitable holes produced on the cap, fix the base structure 1to the cap 2. The through holes 17 a , 17 b may take the shape ofelongated slots to allow accurate adjustment of the angular position ofthe structure 1 in relation to the cap 2 during assembly of the helmet.Although the use of fixing bolts has been shown, any other known meanssuitable to fix the base structure 1 to the cap 2 may be used withoutdeparting from the scope of protection of the present patent right.

[0044] Two guide grooves 4 a , 4 b , are also produced on the basestructure 1 (see detail FIG. 2), each of which comprises a supportingand retaining rim 13 a , 13 b on which a respective hooking element (orhook) 22 a , 22 b , integral with the visor 20, engages slidingly, andan widened portion 14 a , 14 b which defines an opening 5 a , 5 b forthis respective hooking element 22 a , 22 b . The supporting andretaining rim 13 a , 13 b is produced as an undercut of the basestructure 1 and has a thickness and length, in a direction orthogonal tothe axis A-A, sufficient to allow each hooking element 22 a , 22 b ofthe visor 20 to engage and slide along the circular trajectory definedby the groove 4 a , 4 b.

[0045] The base structure 1 also comprises a cylindrical seat 9 insidewhich an elastic button 7 is mounted, slidingly along the axis of thiscylindrical seat 9. The button 7 is made elastic by the presence of aspring 8, which is preferably of the helical type in metal wire,interposed between the base of the cylindrical seat 9 and the upperinternal surface of the button 7.

[0046] In the embodiment shown, the circular guide grooves 4 a , 4 b arediametrally opposite in relation to the axis of the cylindrical seat 9and define a circular trajectory with an angle having a width of atleast 45°. The presence of two guide grooves 4 a , 4 b improves thestability and reliability both of rotation of the visor 20 and itsassembly, by means of the hooking elements 22 a , 22 b , on the cap 3.

[0047] The button 7 is connected to a locking tab 6 which, disposedcorresponding to the opening 5 a of the guide groove 4 a , maytranslate, operated by the button 7, along an axis substantiallyparallel to or coinciding with the axis A-A of rotation of the visor 20between a position to intercept the opening 5 a and a positiondisengaged from this opening. The opening 5 b of the other guide groove4 b is not however occluded by any locking tab and therefore allows freepassage of the hooking element 22 b.

[0048] In greater detail, the locking tab 6 (FIG. 3) acts as an appendixof the button 7 and the cylindrical seat 9 is produced so that its axisis substantially parallel to or coinciding with the axis of rotation A-Aof the visor, so that translation of the elastic button 7 along the axisof the seat 9 causes identical translation of the locking tab 6corresponding to the opening 5 a . In the embodiment shown the lockingtab 6 reaches its operating position by being inserted into a window orthrough hole 10 cut along the side surface of the cylindrical seat 9corresponding to the opening 5 a.

[0049] The helical spring 8 is also shaped to push the button 7 in aposition so that in the absence of other forces on this button 7, thelocking tab 6 is engaged with the opening 5 a of the guide groove 4 a .In the embodiment shown the spring 8 pushes the button 7 towards theoutside of the cap 2 and therefore the locking tab 6 is pushed toocclude the opening 5 a.

[0050] The button 7 also has, in a diametrally opposite position to thelocking tab 6, a projection 18, elastically deformable, which engages ina housing 16 cut in the side surface of the cylindrical seat 9 andpositioned in the direction of the axis of this seat 9 to allow thebutton 7 to translate along said axis. The function of the projection 18is to anchor the button 7, in combination with insertion of the lockingtab 6 inside the window 10, to slide only along the axis of thecylindrical seat 9 and to prevent the button 7 from coming out of thecylindrical seat 9 through the effect of the thrust of the spring 8.Moreover, as will be explained hereafter, the projection 18 allowssimple assembly of the button in the seat 9.

[0051] Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, thebutton 7 is provided with an upper cylindrical projection 19 on whichthe side area 3 pivots by means of a corresponding hole 21 produced inthe same side area 3 of the visor 20. The cylindrical projection 19,with the aid of the circular guides 4 a , 4 b which guarantee stable andreliable rotation of the visor 20, acts as a pin for the visor 20 andtherefore the axis of the projection 19 coincides with the axis A-Aaround which the visor 20 rotates.

[0052] The visor 20, in line one of its side areas 3, comprises (seeFIGS. 4a , 4 b and 5), positioned around the hole 21, two integralhooking elements 22 a , 22 b provided to engage with the grooves 4 a and4 b respectively, by means of insertion into the openings 5 a and 5 b .The hooking elements 22 a , 22 b are disposed in position diametrallyopposite in relation to the axis of the hole 21.

[0053] In greater detail, each hooking element 22 a , 22 b , is “C”shaped and has a rear surface 28, perpendicular to the visor 20, joinedto a lower surface 27 which in turn is joined by means of an inclinedsurface 26 to a surface 24 substantially parallel to the visor 20 andsuitable to slide along the lower surface of the rim 13 a or 13 b of thegroove 4 a or 4 b . The surface 24 terminates, corresponding to theclosed end of the cavity of the “C” shaped hooking element, with anotherorthogonal surface 25 designed to come into contact with the supportingand retaining rim 13 a or 13 b . The walls 24, 25 and the internalsurface of the side area 3 of the visor 20 define the “C”-shaped cavityof each hooking element 22 a , 22 b.

[0054] The presence and shape of the button 7, illustrated above, andthe hole 21, and the hooking elements 22 a , 22 b , of the visor 20 makethe structure of the mechanism for mounting the visor extremely simpleand compact and facilitate, although preventing accidental release,removal and mounting of the visor 20. In fact, the button 7, acting as apin for the visor 20 and as an operating means for the locking tab 6,with reduced travel along the axis of rotation A-A of the visor 20,allows the dimensions of the mechanism to be limited and can also beoperated easily by the user thanks to the hole 21, even if thisoperation does not release the visor 20 directly.

[0055] The dimensions of the surface 24 and the distance between thesurfaces 25 and 28 are also designed to allow engagement with the groove4 a or 4 b of the base structure 1 of the mechanism to mount the visor20, so that the hooking element 22 a or 22 b can only slide along thetrajectory defined by the rim 13 a , 13 b of the groove 4 a , 4 b , andsimultaneously it may be set apart from the rim 13 a , 13 b and made torun in the direction of the axis of rotation A-A only through theopening 5 a , 5 b of the groove 4 a , 4 b.

[0056] Moreover, in particular, the distance between the walls 25 and 28and the dimensions of the locking tab 6 are such that when the surface25 of each hooking element 22 a , 22 b rests against the respective rim13 a , 13 b of the guide groove 4 a , 4 b , the locking tab 6 can,thrust by the spring 8, position itself in its position to intercept theopening 5 a of the groove 4 a , even if the hooking element 22 a isdisposed corresponding to this opening 5 a.

[0057] The side area 3 also comprises one or more teeth 23 suitable toengage with one or more corresponding teeth 15 on a side surface of thebase support 1. Engagement of the teeth 23 of the visor with the teeth15 of the base structure 1 makes it possible to rotate the visor 20 inrelation to the eyeport opening 12 only according to fixed angularincreases and therefore only for the eyeport opening 12 positionsestablished by the helmet manufacturer.

[0058] The distance between the axis of the cylindrical seat 9 of thebase structure 1 and each opening 5 a , 5 b of the guide groove 4 a , 4b is such that the hooking elements 22 a , 22 b of the side area 3 ofthe visor 20 can engage inside these openings 5 a , 5 b without theupper cylindrical projection 19 of the button 7 simultaneously engaginginside the hole 21 of the visor 20. Therefore, insertion of the hookingelements 22 a , 22 b of the side area 3 of the visor 20 inside the guidegrooves 4 a and 4 b and engagement of the cylindrical projection 19 withthe hole 2 requires, as will be described in greater detail below, firstinsertion of the elements 22 a , 22 b inside the respective openings 5 a, 5 b , by translation along a direction parallel to or coinciding withthe axis A-A of rotation, and then translation of the visor 20, in adirection orthogonal to the axis A-A, to allow engagement of the hookingelements 22 a , 22 b with the rims 13 a , 13 b of the grooves 4 a , 4 band simultaneously insertion of the projection 19 inside the hole 21.

[0059] This geometrical layout of the parts necessarily requires theexertion of two consecutive forces aimed orthogonally in relation toeach other to obtain insertion, and hence also removal, of the hookingelements 22 a , 22 b of the visor 20 in the grooves 4 a , 4 b of thebase 1 by the user, making any accidental release of the visorimpossible.

[0060] The base structure I is also fixed to the cap 3 of the helmet inan angular position so that the hooking elements 22 a , 22 b of thevisor 20 meet the widened portions 14 a , 14 b of the grooves 4 a , 4 band therefore the openings 5 a , 5 b , only when the visor is fullyraised, that is when the visor leaves the eyeport opening 12 of thehelmet completely uncovered. This guarantees removal of the visor 20only when the visor 20 is not in use and therefore, presumably, when theuser is not moving.

[0061] Mounting of the side area 3 of a visor 20 in a mechanism of thetype described above and therefore operation of this mechanism, withreference to the FIGS. 6a, and 6 b, is obtained by first positioning thehooking elements 22 a , 22 b corresponding to the openings 5 a , 5 b ofthe guide grooves 4 a , 4 b , so that the rear surface 28 of eachhooking element 22 a , 22 b is positioned substantially corresponding tothe widened sliding portions 14 a , 14 b of the wall of the opening 5 a, 5 b and the lower wall 27 of the hooking element 22 a is resting onthe upper surface of the locking tab 6. As mentioned above, the latteris thrust by the spring 8, by means of the button 7, to occlude theopening 5 a of the groove 4 a.

[0062] By then exerting pressure on the side area 3 of the visor 20, inthe same direction as the axis of rotation A-A of the visor 20 and withsufficient modulus to overcome the force exerted by the spring 8, thelocking tab 6 translates along a direction parallel to the axis A-A toreach the position in which it disengages from the opening 5 a , toconsequently allow the hooking element 22 a to be inserted in the groove4 a . The other hooking element 22 b finds nothing to prevent it frompassing through the corresponding opening 5 b , as the latter is notoccluded by any temporarily locking tab. This situation is shown in FIG.6a.

[0063] The thrust on the side area 3 of the visor 20 have to be stoppedonly when the cavity defined by the walls 24 and 25 of each hookingelement 22 a , 22 b is in line with the rim 13 a , 13 b of the relativeguide groove 4 a , 4 b . At this point a further thrust is required onthe side area 3 of the visor 20 directed according to the line thatjoins the two hooking elements 22 a , 22 b , that is in a directionsubstantially orthogonal to the axis A-A, to allow engagement of thecavity of each hooking element 22 a , 22 b with the rim 13 a , 13 b ofthe relative groove 4 a , 4 b . In particular, with reference forclarity to only one hooking element 22 a , by thrusting the side area 3in this direction orthogonal to the axis A-A the surface 24 of thehooking element 22 a slides on the lower surface of the supporting andretaining rim 13 a of the groove 4 a , until the surface 25 is restingagainst the rim 13 a , coupling with this.

[0064] This sliding of the hooking element 22 a in a directiontransverse to the axis A-A frees the opening 5 a and allows the lockingtab 6, thrust by the spring 8 and no longer obstructed by the surface27, to return to the position in which it occludes the opening 5 a . Inthis layout, represented in FIG. 6b, the locking tab 6 prevents anysliding of the hooking element 22 a , and therefore of the visor 20,transverse to the axis A-A, when this hooking element 22 a is in linewith the opening 5 a . Engagement of the cavity of the hooking elements22 a , 22 b with the supporting and retaining rims 13 a , 13 b of thegrooves 4 a , 4 b , moreover, prevents any sliding of these hookingelements 22 a , 22 b in a direction parallel to the axis A-A, which arethus obliged to slide only along the trajectory defined by the guidegrooves 4 a , 4 b.

[0065] Simultaneously to engagement of the hooking elements 22 a , 22 bin the guide grooves 4 a , 4 b , the geometry of the mechanism allowsengagement of the cylindrical projection 19 of the button 7 inside thehole 21 of the side area 3 of the visor 20. In this way, the button 7 isalways accessible to the user and the visor 20 is appropriately pivotedon this projection 19 to rotate around the axis A-A.

[0066] To remove the side area 3 of the visor 20 from the base structure1, performing the operations described above in reverse order, it istherefore necessary to position the visor so that the hooking elements22 a , 22 b are in line with the openings 5 a , 5 b and pressure mustthen be applied to the button 7, in the direction of the axis A-A andwith sufficient modulus to overcome the resistance of the spring 8,suitable to cause movement of the locking tab 6 along an axis parallelto the axis A-A, in its position disengaged from the opening 5 a.

[0067] Having set free the opening 5 a , the side area 3 of the visor 20must then be translated in a direction substantially orthogonal to theaxis A-A, allowing release of the hooking elements 22 a , 22 b from therespective supporting and retaining rims 13 a , 13 b of the grooves 4 a, 4 b and to position them in line with the openings 5 a , 5 b . By thenreleasing the button 7, the force exerted by the spring 8 by means ofthe locking tab 6 causes translation, in a direction parallel to theaxis A-A, of the hooking element 22 a and the element 22 a is thusdisengaged from the guide groove 4 a . Further translation of theelement 22 b in a direction parallel to the axis A-A releases the sidearea 3 of the visor 20 from the base structure 1 of the mechanismaccording to the present invention.

[0068] From the above, the great simplicity of the mechanism accordingto the present invention as described above and its simultaneous totalsafety against accidental releases are evident. The need, for the user,to position the visor in a specific angular position, corresponding tothe fully open position of the eyeport opening 12, and to exert twoconsecutive forces in orthogonal directions to each other, makesaccidental unhook of the visor 20 almost impossible.

[0069] The simplicity of operation of the mechanism described is nothowever attained to the detriment of structural simplification of themechanism and its easy assembly.

[0070] In fact, the mechanism shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 6 a, 6 b iscomposed of only six parts, also considering the two bolts 11 a, 11 b,and its assembly consists of the following simple phases:

[0071] positioning the spring 8 in the cylindrical seat 9 of the basestructure 1;

[0072] fitting the locking tab 6 into the side window 10;

[0073] pressing the button 7, to tension the spring 8, so that its sideprojection 18, becoming elastically deformed, goes beyond the upper rimof the seat 9 and is inserted, returning to its undeformed layout,inside the axial housing 16 provided on the side surface of the seat 9;

[0074] fastening the base structure 1, equipped with the spring 8 andthe button 7 inside the cylindrical seat 9, to the cap 2 of the helmetby means of bolts 11 a, 11 b;

[0075] fitting the visor to the base structure 1 as described above.

[0076]FIG. 7 represents a further embodiment of the mechanism accordingto the present invention, comprising a base structure 101 which has,analogously to the structure 1 in FIG. 1, two circular guide grooves 104a , 104 b , equipped with widened portions which form the openings 105 a, 105 b for corresponding hooking elements integral with the visor (notshown) and a cylindrical seat 109.

[0077] Housed in the cylindrical seat 109 is a button 107, mountedelastically thanks to a spring 108, which has a side projection 106designed to act as a locking tab in an opening 105 a of a guide groove104 a . The locking tab 106 is made to translate, along an axis parallelto the axis of rotation of the visor, between a position to interceptthe opening 105 a and position to disengage from it. The button 107 isalso equipped with an upper projection 119 on which the side area of thevisor pivots by means of a hole produced in this side area. The basestructure 101 also has two through slots 117 a , 117 b , elongated,which are used to fix the structure 101 to the cap of the helmet and, onthe external edge, toothed zones 131 a and 131 b in a positiondiametrally opposite and parallel to each other.

[0078] Unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the structure 101comprises an elastic tooth 115, such as a band spring with aprotuberance, made to engage in a rack produced correspondingly on thevisor. Coupling of the elastic tooth 115 with the rack of the visor (forexample, as indicated with 23 in FIGS. 4a , 4 b extended for an arc ofgreater length and coinciding with the angle described by the visorduring aperture) allows rotation of the visor in relation to the eyeportopening by pre-defined angular increases.

[0079] Moreover, the mechanism described also comprises an auxiliaryplate 29, with toothed raised areas 130 a and 130 b on the external rimsuitable to couple with the toothed areas 131 a and 131 b present on thebase 101 which, interposed between the base structure 101 and the cap ofthe helmet, has the function of allowing accurate adjustment of thestructure 101 and therefore of the visor coupled to it subsequently inrelation to the cap of the helmet.

[0080] Thanks to holes with hexagonal recesses 30 a, 30 b, the auxiliaryplate 29 is in fact fixed to the cap of the helmet by means of insertswith perforated hexagonal heads with double thread, internal andexternal (not shown), clamped internally to the cap with nuts.

[0081] After fixing the plate 29 to the cap, the base 101 is disposed onthe plate taking care to align the raised areas 130 a and 130 b with thetoothed areas 131 a and 131 b and subsequently the threaded elements 11a and 11 b are inserted into the internally threaded inserts of theplate 29. The teeth allow the base 101 to translate, according topre-established positions, in relation to the auxiliary plate 29 andthus adjustment of the distance of the visor from the cap, thus allowingadjustment of the seal of any sealing elements (not shown) interposedbetween them.

1. Mechanism to removably anchor a side area (3) of a visor (20) to thecap (2) of a helmet so that the visor rotates in relation to the eyeportopening (12) of the helmet, of the type comprising: a base structure(1), anchored to the cap, and provided with at least one circular guidegroove (4 a ) substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation (A-A) ofthe visor and which has at least one widened portion defining an opening(5 a); at least one hooking element (22 a ) integral with said side areaof the visor and suitable to engage slidingly inside the aforesaidcircular groove, the hooking element being held in place by the circularguide groove except when corresponding to the opening defined by saidwidened portion; the mechanism also being characterized in that itcomprises at least one locking tab (6) positioned substantially incorrespondence to said at least one widened portion and made totranslate, along an axis coinciding with or substantially parallel tothe axis of rotation (A-A) of the visor, between a position in whichsaid locking tab intercepts said at least one widened portion, reducingthe opening (5 a), and a position in which said locking tab isdisengaged from said at least one widened portion, freeing the opening(5 a).
 2. Mechanism as claimed in claim 1, in which said base structurecomprises a cylindrical seat (9) and characterized in that it comprisesa button (7) mounted elastically inside said cylindrical seat andconnected to said at least one locking tab, said button being anchoredto translate along the axis of said cylindrical seat to allowtranslation of said locking tab.
 3. Mechanism as claimed in claim 2,characterized in that it comprises one or more springs (8), interposedbetween said button and the base of said cylindrical seat for elasticmounting of the button.
 4. Mechanism as claimed in claim 3, in whichsaid one or more springs hold the button in a position in which saidlocking tab is pushed in said position to intercept said at least onewidened portion.
 5. Mechanism as claimed in any one of the claims from 2to 4, characterized in that said button comprises an elasticallydeformable projection (18) which engages in an axial housing (16),obtained in the internal side wall of the cylindrical seat (9), fortranslation along the axis of said cylindrical seat of the button. 6.Mechanism as claimed in any one of the claims from 2 to 5, characterizedin that the axis of said cylindrical seat coincides with or is parallelto the axis (A-A) around which the visor rotates and said locking tab isintegral with the button.
 7. Mechanism as claimed in any one of theclaims from 2 to 6, characterized in that said button comprises an uppercylindrical projection (19) on which said side area (3) pivots by meansof a corresponding hole (21) produced on said side area of the visor. 8.Mechanism as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the openingdefined by said at least one widened portion of the guide groove is setapart from the axis of said upper cylindrical projection of the buttonto allow said hooking element to be inserted in the guide and to preventsimultaneous coupling of the upper projection of the button with saidhole on the side area of the visor.
 9. Mechanism as claimed in any oneof the claims from 2 to 8, characterized in that said locking tab isinserted in a through hole (10) produced on a side wall of saidcylindrical seat.
 10. Mechanism as claimed in any one of the previousclaims, characterized in that said at least one hooking element isanchored by said at least one guide groove to slide along the trajectorydefined by said at least one groove, except when corresponding to saidat least one widened portion, in which said at least one guide elementmay translate in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis ofrotation of the visor to disengage from said guide groove.
 11. Mechanismas claimed in any one of the previous claims, characterized in that saidat least one widened portion of the groove is disposed so that said atleast one hooking element integral with the visor is positionedcorresponding to the opening defined by said widened portion only whenthe visor is in its fully open position in relation to the eyeportopening of the helmet.
 12. Mechanism as claimed in any one of theprevious claims, characterized in that it comprises two circular guidegrooves (4 a , 4 b ), reciprocally opposite in relation to the axis ofrotation of the visor, each of which has at least one widened portion(14 a , 14 b ) defining an opening (5 a , 5 b ) for two respectivehooking elements (22 a , 22 b ) integral with said side area (3) of thevisor (20).
 13. Mechanism as claimed in any one of the previous claims,characterized in that said base structure comprises through holes (17 a, 17 b ) for the insertion of threaded fixing elements (11 a, 11 b). 14.Mechanism as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that said throughholes in the base structure are elongated slots and the mechanism alsocomprises an auxiliary plate (29) interposed between said base structureand said cap.
 15. Mechanism as claimed in claim 14, characterized inthat said base structure comprises one or more toothed zones (131 a, 131b) suitable to couple with one or more respective toothings (130 a, 130b) integral with said auxiliary plate to regulate the distance of thevisor from the cap.
 16. Mechanism as claimed in any one of the previousclaims, in which said at least one hooking element (22 a ) is concave“C” shaped and said at least one guide groove has a supporting andretaining rim (13 a ) against which the end surface (25) of theconcavity of said at least one “C” shaped hooking element engagesslidingly.
 17. Mechanism as claimed in claim 16, in which when the endsurface of the concavity of said at least one “C” shaped hooking elementis engaged with said supporting rim, said locking tab can occupy saidposition to intercept the opening.
 18. Mechanism as claimed in any oneof the previous claims, characterized in that said base structurecomprises one or more teeth (15) to engage with one or more teeth (23)integral with said side area of the visor.
 19. Helmet for use inmotorcycling characterized in that it is provided with a pair ofmechanisms as claimed in any one of the previous claims.